Boat push pole attachment

ABSTRACT

A push pole attachment for use in manipulation of personal watercraft. The attachment includes a threaded aperture for engagement and attachment to a standard available telescoping handle. An angled element with optional gripping profile can engage a surface of a boat from another surface, or can engage for example the edge of a dock from within a boat—to push and manipulate a boat in the water in relation to nearby objects. A cable hook loop on a rearward surface of the angled element permits a user to hook a cleat on a dock or on the boat surface to pull the boat in as well.

This invention is in the field of watercraft accessories and more particularly is in the field of push poles used to manipulate boats into docking position or in other proximity operations to docks and other obstacles.

BACKGROUND

Boats are often used and required to be manipulated in tight spaces including docking operations, movement in close proximity to other boats, and the like. In some operations it will even be desirable to push the boat in relation to a shallow bottom of the waterway.

Operators will often wish to manipulate boats into final docking position or to conduct other similar proximity operations without using the boat motor. Push poles are often used for this application.

Conventional boating push poles consist of purpose built poles with a foot or a surface engaging element their own, which has a angular face for engagement of a dock, the boat edge or the like. Some such conventional push poles telescope to allow for quick storage on the boat. These are often expensive and if it were possible to provide a more cost-effective option it is believed this would be commercially accepted.

One of the ways to make a telescoping push pole cost-effective option is believed to be the provision of a watercraft pushpole attachment for use in association with the standard available telescoping handle (such as are widely available in home and hardware applications for use with respect to squeegees, mops and the like). Providing an interchangeable watercraft pushpole attachment for use with this type of a telescoping handle is believed to be an improvement over the current state of the art.

There has been little development in the field of the foot or watercraft pushpole attachment of purpose built push poles either, such that there are many options for improvement of the functionality thereof. For example, prior art pushing poles only permit the pushing of a boat in relation to a nearby article or surface and do not provide any ability to hold the boat closer rather than to push it away or push it closer by pushing off of another article read if it were possible to provide a watercraft pushpole attachment for use with an interchangeable telescoping handle, which permitted for both pushing and pulling operations in relation to close manipulation of watercraft, it is also believed that this would be a benefit over the current state of the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises a removable watercraft pushpole attachment for use in conjunction with a standard telescoping handle, to yield a boat push pole for use in watercraft docking and proximity movement situations which permits both pushing and pulling operations in relation to the watercraft. The watercraft pushpole attachment includes an attachment body with a threaded aperture for removable threaded attachment to a standard available telescoping handle having a coordinating threaded element. Standard shape, size and orientation of the threaded pattern for the interior of the threaded aperture will be understood to those skilled in the art based upon the standard available telescoping handles and their coordinating threaded elements. Any type of a thread pattern for the threaded aperture interior which will coordinate with an available telescoping handle having a threaded element disposed on one end thereof will be understood to be within the scope of the present invention.

The invention comprises a watercraft pushpole attachment for attachment to a pole with a male threaded attachment end (such as a standard available work handle pole for use with interchangeable attachments). The pushpole attachment comprises a body having two ends being an attachment end and a distal end, and a first side surface and second side surface each having a length extending between the two ends thereof and a width. One end of the body includes a female threaded attachment receptacle at the attachment end of the body, having a mating thread pattern to permit attachment to the male threaded attachment end of the pole.

The body of the push pull attachment includes an integral foot extending outwards from the first side surface of the body in proximity to the attachment end thereof such that the integral foot and first side surface together define an open angular area being an angular pushing surface for pushing engagement of a surface of a watercraft or docking apparatus. The pushing surface could be a right and or some other acute or obtuse angle—permitting the interior angular pushing surface being used to engage a boat, a dock, a shallow waterway bottom or the like. The watercraft pushpole attachment would be attached to a telescoping handle and the pushing surface could be used to reach from the handle to engage a boat, the dock or another proximate object to push against that object and cause its nonpowered movement in the water.

The pushing surface can be textured to provide a better ability to engage and grip either the surface of a watercraft, or a nearby article such as another boat, a dock or the like.

The second side surface of the body will include a cable hook loop attached in proximity to the distal end thereof and extending outwards therefrom for selective use to engage a cleat on a surface of a watercraft or docking apparatus. It is specifically contemplated that the cable hook loop could comprise a pliable cable although it is also contemplated that the cable hook loop could comprise a rigid extension of the body itself.

By including a cable hook loop extending outwards from the distal end of the body, the watercraft pushpole attachment of the present invention can be used for both pushing and pulling a boat in relation to a close by surface such as another boat, the base of the waterway, a dock or the like. The ability to facilitate both pushing and pulling operations with the completed push pole of the present invention, being an available telescoping handle with the watercraft pushpole attachment attached thereto, represents an improvement over the current state-of-the-art.

The pushpole attachment once threadably attached to a pole can be used in manipulation of a watercraft in relation to a docking apparatus by either using the pole to push the watercraft and docking apparatus apart by engaging an edge surface of one of the watercraft and docking apparatus with the angular pushing surface from a position on the other of the watercraft and docking apparatus; or using the pole to manipulate the cable hook loop into attachment with a cleat on a surface of one of the watercraft and docking apparatus from a position on the other of the watercraft and docking apparatus, and pushing or pulling the watercraft and docking apparatus apart or together using the cleat-attached assembly.

The body and its attachment receptacle can be manufactured or oriented such that the body extends approximately straight outwards from the pole when attached, or such that the body extends outwards from the pole at an angle from the axis of the pole when attached.

In addition to the watercraft pushpole attachment of the present invention, the invention also comprises a watercraft pushpole with the push pull attachment of the present invention attached thereto. As outlined above with respect to the push pole attachment, the pole handle of the present invention is intended to likely comprise a standardly available work handle with a threaded male attachment end. The pole handle could be of a fixed standard length, or could be telescopically adjustable in length. Both such approaches to the length of the pole handle are intended within the scope of the present invention.

The pushpole can be used in manipulation of a watercraft in relation to a docking apparatus by either using the pole to push the watercraft and docking apparatus apart by engaging an edge surface of one of the watercraft and docking apparatus with the angular pushing surface from a position on the other of the watercraft and docking apparatus; or using the pole to manipulate the cable hook loop into attachment with a cleat on a surface of one of the watercraft and docking apparatus from a position on the other of the watercraft and docking apparatus, and pushing or pulling the watercraft and docking apparatus apart or together using the cleat-attached assembly.

The watercraft pushpole attachment itself could be made of many different types of material although it is contemplated that injection moulded plastic is the likely preferable material to manufacture for the watercraft pushpole attachment. The cable hook loop could be a steel cable hook loop attached to the desired location on the watercraft pushpole attachment. For example a pilot hole in the watercraft pushpole attachment could be included in the mould and the attachment apparatus could comprise a screwing clamp or the like which could be used to screw the cable hook loop on to the appropriate location on the watercraft pushpole attachment in manufacture.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced. The drawings enclosed are:

FIG. 1 is a view of one embodiment of a watercraft pushpole attachment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the watercraft pushpole attachment of FIG. 1 demonstrating a textured pushing surface;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the watercraft pushpole attachment of FIG. 1 demonstrating the threaded aperture;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the watercraft pushpole attachment of FIG. 1 demonstrating the cable hook loop; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a boat push pole in accordance with the present invention showing the watercraft pushpole attachment in conjunction with a telescoping handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

As outlined above the invention comprises a removable watercraft pushpole attachment for use with a standard telescoping handle, to in combination yield a boat pushpole for use in watercraft docking and proximity movement operations. The watercraft pushpole attachment will permit for both pushing and pulling forces to be applied to a boat to allow for its nonpowered close-in movement.

The removable watercraft pushpole attachment of the present invention is contemplated specifically for use with widely available telescoping handles, which are available in many hardware and maintenance applications. These pre-existing telescoping handles typically have a threaded end at one end of a standard size and thread pattern, which allows for the interchangeable attachment of different types of implements to the end thereof. For example, squeegees, other cleaning equipment or light-duty tools are often attachable to the end of such a handle for use in varying applications.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 there is shown a removable body 1 in accordance with the present invention, for use with a telescoping handle 2. The telescoping handle 2 as outlined above includes a standardized threaded end 3 having a standardized radius 4 and thread pattern 5 for use in the rapid and interchangeable attachment of implements thereto.

The body 1 includes a threaded aperture 3A in the body 1 thereof, the threaded aperture 3A being sized and having an internal reflective threading pattern 5A capable of threaded attachment to the threaded end 3 of the handle 2. By virtue of the coordinating threaded aperture 3A on the body 1, the body 1 can be threadably attached to the handle 2.

Referring to FIG. 4, the body 1 comprises a unitary element having a first side surface 1A and a second side surface 1B on the sides thereof extending between an attachment end 1C and a distal end 1D thereof. The attachment aperture 3 is shown at the attachment end 1C of the body.

The first side surface 1A has a foot 7 extending outwards therefrom from a vertex point 8. The foot 7 and the remainder of the first side surface 1A together define an angular pushing surface 9. The vertex point 8 will likely be in close proximity to the threaded aperture 3A, although it may be desirable to render certain embodiments of the body 1 wherein the threaded aperture 3A for attachment to the handle 2 was positioned elsewhere in proximity to the vertex point 8 opposing the angular pushing surface 9. Both such approaches are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

The angular pushing surface 9 will permit for the use of the body 1 attached to a handle 2 to engage the edge of the boat, where it was desired to push the boat from a dock for example or from another boat, or it may be also desired in some cases to push the boat desired to be moved from a human position on a dock or the like in which case the angular pushing surface 9 could be used to engage an angled edge of the boat and apply a pushing motion thereto.

The pushing surface 9 could be used to engage a boat, a dock or another proximate object to push against that object and cause its nonpowered movement in the water. The pushing surface 9 could be a right and or some other acute or obtuse angle, with the body 1 and the foot 7 being configured in an open angular fashion with the interior angular pushing surface being used to engage a boat, a dock, a shallow waterway bottom or the like.

The angular pushing surface 9 could be textured to allow for the gripping engagement of a boat or of another related surface. Any type of a texture will be understood within the scope of the present invention.

The body 1 will also include a cable hook loop 10 attached to the second side surface 1B of the body 1, such that the cable hook loop 10 extends outwards from the distal end 1D. The cable hook loop 10 will permit the use of the assembled push pole with the body 1 of the present invention in conjunction with a handle 2 to also be used to hook a cleat or other similar protrusion from the boat to be moved or from a dock or other proximate article, to allow the assembled pole of the present invention to be used to pull the boat in addition to pushing it. This is a substantial improvement over the current state-of-the-art in which only pushing operations can typically be conducted.

It is specifically contemplated that the cable hook loop 10 would comprise a pliable steel cable or cable of a similar material of sufficient strength to allow for the application of pulling force to a heavy object. By using a pliable cable as the cable hook loop 10, the cable hook loop 10 would automatically push out of the way if the body 1 in combination with a handle 2 was used to for example push a boat in relation to the bottom surface of a shallow waterway or the like, or otherwise where it was desired for the loop 10 to deform out of its extension position. Any type of material manufacturer which would achieve this objective will be understood to be within the scope of the present invention.

It will be understood that many different types of materials could be used to manufacture the body 1 of the present invention. Injection molded or printed plastic for example are contemplated as likely materials of manufacture although many other types of manufacturing materials could also be used. To maximize the utility of the present invention, the body 1 could be manufactured of material that also rendered it buoyant, so it would not easily be lost by dropping in the water the like.

By including a cable hook loop 10 extending outwards from the distal end 1D, the body 1 of the present invention can be used for both pushing and pulling a boat in relation to a close by surface such as another boat, the base of the waterway, a dock or the like. The ability to facilitate both pushing and pulling operations with the completed push pole of the present invention, being an available telescoping handle 2 with the watercraft pushpole attachment attached thereto, represents an improvement over the current state-of-the-art.

The cable hook loop 10 could be attached to the remainder of the body 1 in many ways including by a screw or bolt attachment.

The invention also discloses a watercraft pushpole attachment in accordance with the present invention in combination with a pole handle 2. The combined assembled boat push pole 15 is shown in FIG. 5. It is specifically contemplated that the pole handle 2 could be a widely available accessory pole with a threaded attachment and for use with various attachments and accessories. The pole handle 2 could be of a fixed or telescoping extendable length.

It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that by routine modification the present invention can be optimized for use in a wide range of conditions and application. It will also be obvious to those of skill in the art that there are various ways and designs with which to produce the apparatus and methods of the present invention. The illustrated embodiments are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but to provide examples of the apparatus and method to enable those of skill in the art to appreciate the inventive concept.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. The terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps not expressly referenced. 

1. A watercraft pushpole attachment for attachment to a pole handle having a male threaded attachment end, said pushpole attachment comprising a body having: a. two ends being an attachment end and a distal end, and a first side surface and second side surface each having a length extending between the two ends thereof and a width b. a female threaded attachment receptacle at the attachment end of the body, having a mating thread pattern to permit attachment to the male threaded attachment end of the pole; c. an integral foot extending outwards from the first side surface of the body in proximity to the attachment end thereof such that the integral foot and first side surface together define an open angular area being a angular pushing surface for pushing engagement of a surface of a watercraft or docking apparatus; and d. a cable hook loop attached to the second side surface of the body in proximity to the distal end thereof and extending outwards therefrom for selective use to engage a cleat on a surface of a watercraft or docking apparatus; wherein the pushpole attachment once threadably attached to a pole can be used in manipulation of a watercraft in relation to a docking apparatus by either: using the pole to push the watercraft and docking apparatus apart by engaging an edge surface of one of the watercraft and docking apparatus with the angular pushing surface from a position on the other of the watercraft and docking apparatus; or using the pole to manipulate the cable hook loop into attachment with a cleat on a surface of one of the watercraft and docking apparatus from a position on the other of the watercraft and docking apparatus, and pushing or pulling the watercraft and docking apparatus apart or together using the cleat-attached assembly.
 2. The watercraft pushpole attachment of claim 1 wherein thread pattern and female attachment receptacle are configured to receive a standard available work pole.
 3. The watercraft pushpole attachment of claim 2 wherein the standard available work pole is telescoping in length.
 4. The watercraft pushpole attachment of claim 1 wherein the open angular area defined by the integral foot and the first side surface of the body comprises a textured gripping surface.
 5. The watercraft pushpole attachment of claim 1 wherein the body and the attachment receptacle are oriented such that the body extends approximately straight outwards from the pole when attached.
 6. The watercraft pushpole attachment of claim 1 wherein the body and the attachment receptacle are oriented such that the body extends outwards from the pole at an angle from the axis of the pole when attached.
 7. A watercraft pushpole comprising: a. a pole for use as a handle having a male threaded attachment end; b. a body having: i. two ends being an attachment end and a distal end, and a first side surface and second side surface each having a length extending between the two ends thereof and a width ii. a female threaded attachment receptacle at the attachment end of the body, having a mating thread pattern and attached to the male threaded attachment end of the pole; iii. an integral foot extending outwards from the first side surface of the body in proximity to the attachment end thereof such that the integral foot and first side surface together define an open angular area being a angular pushing surface for pushing engagement of a surface of a watercraft or docking apparatus; and iv. a cable hook loop attached to the second side surface of the body in proximity to the distal end thereof and extending outwards therefrom for selective use to engage a cleat on a surface of a watercraft or docking apparatus; wherein the pushpole can be used in manipulation of a watercraft in relation to a docking apparatus by either: using the pole to push the watercraft and docking apparatus apart by engaging an edge surface of one of the watercraft and docking apparatus with the angular pushing surface from a position on the other of the watercraft and docking apparatus; or using the pole to manipulate the cable hook loop into attachment with a cleat on a surface of one of the watercraft and docking apparatus from a position on the other of the watercraft and docking apparatus, and pushing or pulling the watercraft and docking apparatus apart or together using the cleat-attached assembly.
 8. The watercraft pushpole of claim 7 wherein the pole is a standard available interchangeable work pole.
 9. The watercraft pushpole of claim 7 wherein the pole is telescoping in length.
 10. The watercraft pushpole of claim 7 wherein the open angular area defined by the integral foot and the first side surface of the body comprises a textured gripping surface.
 11. The watercraft pushpole of claim 7 wherein the body and the attachment receptacle are oriented such that the body extends approximately straight outwards from the pole when attached.
 12. The watercraft pushpole of claim 7 wherein the body and the attachment receptacle are oriented such that the body extends outwards from the pole at an angle from the axis of the pole when attached. 